He’s all of 18, but has gone on to prove that age is just a number. Meet all-rounder and Chennai boy Washington Sundar, who’s now making a mark as part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore. In a freewheeling talk with us, the teenager got candid about his cricketing journey so far, the tale behind his fascinating name and more…
As he talks about his IPL experience with RCB this year, he shares, “Playing with the likes of Kohli, AB de Villiers and McCullum is a learning experience, especially for a teenager like me. They’re such big stars and when I interact with them, I get an opportunity to learn and get better. The kind of energy they bring in whenever they step out on the field is motivating and inspiring — they come out with such confidence no matter who they’re going to play against.”
Looking back, this young bloke reveals that his tryst with cricket happened at the tender age of four. “I’d go to a lot of my dad’s games and practice sessions – I wanted to play cricket only after watching him play. I’d pester him to feed me balls and I’d bat for hours. When I was 11 or 12, I took it up professionally. Playing for U-19 India did give me a boost as I started believing in myself after that,” he shares.
Washington in action
Ask him about the story behind his name, which is often a subject of intrigue for those who meet him, and he breaks into a smile, “There was an ex-army man named Washington who was of huge help to my father — whether it was with studies or cricket or buying him things he needed. I was born one or two years after the gentleman expired and my father decided to name his son in Mr Washington’s remembrance.”
Having reached this far at a rather young age, does this thought add on any extra pressure? “It doesn’t, but it does give me a feeling that I’m getting an opportunity at such a young age, when not many at this age would. I feel really lucky and I’m happy that whatever hard work I’m putting in is paying off,” says the lad, whose idol is MS Dhoni. “I wanted to interact with him and that did happen over the last year. I get so inspired when I look at him,” he says of the former India captain.
As for the city that now has a significant place in his life, Washington reveals that he’s a regular visitor to the place. “I’m in Bengaluru two months a year in as I attend the NCA Camp. Every year, during the summer I’m here. It’s such a beautiful place and for someone like me, who’s from Chennai, the weather here is a respite from the heat that I have live with for nine months!” he signs off.
